As much as we might want to, 2020 has been a year that none of us are likely to forget. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global social and economic disruption, cancellations and postponements of events, travel restrictions, and lockdowns across the world. Today, the pressure on our Canadian healthcare systems has never been greater with daily case numbers continuing to rise, increasing hospital admissions, and ICU bed occupancy reaching critical capacity levels.

In 2021, the Immunology (IMGY) survey will assess CRP (C-reactive Protein), high sensitivity (hs-CRP), and wide-range (wr)CRP assays as a single analyte (CRP). Previously, the IMGY survey targeted low values of CRP, which were best analyzed by hs-CRP assays. Newer immunoassays can measure a broad analytical range of CRP concentrations, and the number of laboratories replacing hs-CRP assays with full range CRP assays continues to increase. In order to assess the full range of clinically-encountered CRP values, the IMGY survey will now offer a range of CRP concentrations (0.1–120.0 mg/L). Assessments will continue to be made by all-methods’ mean.

The purpose of this bulletin is to remind participants of the changes related to the packaging and shipment process for Coagulation survey material in 2021.

A copy of the Shipment Changes for 2021 Coagulation Surveys was included in the previous September 2020 survey.

IQMH Centre for Accreditation has been rebranded as Accreditation Canada Diagnostics. The IQMH Centre for Education and Echocardiography (EQI) services are also part of this transfer.

The IQMH Centre for Proficiency Testing released its Proficiency Testing Programs in the 2021 Catalogue in August.

IQMH is resuming accreditation assessment activities as of October 26 using a revised approach. To the extent possible, we will be conducting assessments remotely in order to reduce the number of assessors on-site to as few as possible for the shortest time needed. You will be contacted by the Staff Technologist assigned to your assessment with specific details. Thank you for your continued cooperation at this difficult time. 

Like many organizations, IQMH quickly pivoted to remote work with the COVID-19 pandemic. This was relatively easy as we were already connected remotely, accessing our network, portal and our quality management system (QMS) over the Internet.

Due to planned maintenance, QView.ca and IQMH.org websites will not be available:

IQMH is grateful for the commitment and support of the medical laboratory community and appreciates all the volunteers who donate their time and valuable expertise to our programs.

This month, IQMH recognizes Shahid Islam, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FCAP, The Ottawa Hospital, Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), Ottawa, Ontario who has served IQMH as a volunteer since 2013.

IQMH is seeking volunteers to sit on its Proficiency Testing Scientific Committee(s) and Accreditation Advisory Panel, effective January 1, 2021.   Membership on committees consists of a three-year term of office, renewable once. Committees meet an average of four times a year for half-day or full-day meetings.